HDL biology
A review finds PLTP, not CETP, is the main driver shaping HDL size and composition via phospholipid transfer and HDL conversion (Atherosclerosis 2001)
Original title: The impact of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) on HDL metabolism
This review examines the impact of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) on HDL metabolism, describing the basic characteristics and structure of PLTP and its two main functions, PLTP-mediated phospholipid transfer and HDL conversion, along with their mechanisms, control, and physiological significance. The relationship between PLTP and the related cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is reviewed. Other PLTP functions are covered, including its ability to transfer cholesterol, alpha-tocopherol, and lipopolysaccharide, and its suggested role in cellular cholesterol traffic. New data on two circulating forms of PLTP, one catalytically active and one inactive, are discussed in the context of PLTP activity and mass in physiological and pathophysiological settings, and future directions for PLTP research are outlined.
Original abstract
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) play a major protective role against the development of coronary artery disease. Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is a main factor regulating the size and composition of HDL in the circulation and plays an important role in controlling plasma HDL levels. This is achieved via both the phospholipid transfer activity of PLTP and its capability to cause HDL conversion. The present review focuses on the impact of PLTP on HDL metabolism. The basic characteristics and structure of the PLTP protein are described. The two main functions of PLTP, PLTP-mediated phospholipid transfer and HDL conversion are reviewed, and the mechanisms and control, as well as the physiological significance of these processes are discussed. The relationship between PLTP and the related cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is reviewed. Thereafter other functions of PLTP are recapitulated: the ability of PLTP to transfer cholesterol, alpha-tocopherol and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the suggested involvement of PLTP in cellular cholesterol traffic. The discussion on PLTP activity and mass in (patho)physiological settings includes new data on the presence of two forms of PLTP in the circulation, one catalytically active and the other inactive. Finally, future directions for PLTP research are outlined.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.